Monitoring Hand Proximity And Contact With Select Objects

ABSTRACT

The present invention involves a system and method for monitoring and controlling a person&#39;s select activity with a select object or space, with and without electronic imaging, while communicating and recording such interaction to a remote device. The system comprises a specialized computing device comprising a capacitance charge controller, a detection electrode, a wireless means of communications, a remote monitoring device capable of receiving a control signal directly or indirectly from the capacitance charge controller, at least one annunciator, at least one processor, an imaging device and at least one non-transitory computer readable medium. The method comprises receiving data from a specialized communication device, over a cellular, wireless, satellite, or other network to a special purpose computer with a non-transitory computer readable medium.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This application is a continuation-in-part of U.S. Non Provisionalapplication Ser. No. 16/516,241 filed 18 Jul. 2019, the entire contentsof which is hereby incorporated herein by reference for all purposes asif fully set forth herein, under 35 U.S.C. 119(e). The aforementionedapplication is incorporated by reference in its entirety.

STATEMENT REGARDING FEDERALLY SPONSORED RESEARCH OR DEVELOPMENT

Not Applicable

THE NAMES OF THE PARTIES TO A JOINT RESEARCH AGREEMENT

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INCORPORATION-BY-REFERENCE OF MATERIAL SUBMITTED ON A COMPACT DISC OR ASA TEXT FILE VIA THE OFFICE ELECTRONIC FILING SYSTEM (EFS-WEB)

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STATEMENT REGARDING PRIOR DISCLOSURES BY THE INVENTOR

Not Applicable

BACKGROUND

Unless otherwise indicated herein, the materials described in thissection are not prior art to the claims in this application and are notadmitted to be prior art by inclusion in this section.

1. Field of the Invention

The present invention relates generally to a system or a method formonitoring an object. More specifically, the present invention relatesto a system or a method for electronically and visually remotelymonitoring a person or the intrusion of a person's hands into a specificarea within the proximity of a specific area and/or contact with atleast one select object for purposes of security or observational needs.

2. Description of Related Art

A video monitoring security system may monitor physical access to or aperson's presence within certain areas in numerous situations. However,these systems are often limited to simply detecting a person when he orshe enters a viewing area and not autonomously monitoring their specificactions within such monitored area. Also, many of these video monitoringsystems lend themselves to false triggering due to extraneous factors.In addition, many of these systems lack specificity in providing imagesand warnings related to either the proximity or contact of a person witha single select object in a small finite monitored area. Additionally,the activation of such video monitoring systems by the means of bymerely detecting the presence of a person lends themselves to collectingcopious amounts of useless video data that may have no relevance for theintended purpose of monitoring a person's association with a specificobject or area of interest. For example, the video may not record aperson touching or accessing a specific finite area within a camera'sview but may just collectively monitor and record a person's merepresence while positioned near a monitored object or area. Thus, it iseasy to see how erroneous triggering, notification and recording mayarise from persons within a monitored area that may have no relevance toor interaction with the select monitored object or area of interest.

Furthermore, pets, passersby, motions and shadows may create falsepositive triggering of the previously provided monitoring system causingnumerous unnecessary warnings and image captures resulting in the user'serroneously disregarding valid warning notifications. As a result, thesesystems generate false alarms making them limited in use anddependability for many situations requiring constant passive electronicand image monitoring. Therefore, these past technologies fail toadequately address the need for a means of precision, granularity if youwill, in detecting, monitoring, visually recording and notifying a userwhen individuals are either in direct contact with or in the nearproximity of a specific area or object of interest. In consideration ofthe limitations of the previous visual monitoring means employed, thereis a need for a system or method that has expanded uses, which areuseful, effective, accurate, and inexpensive for these areas that mayneed to be directly or remotely monitored.

BRIEF SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

It is a principal object to solve at least one of the disadvantages withother attempted solutions or to create other utility by providing asystem or method that is useful, effective, accurate, and inexpensive.

Use of a passive and active motion sensing device including passiveinfrared (PIR) detectors and cameras incorporating image analysissoftware reacting to proximate bodies is a technology commonly in use.Alternately, there is currently available the electronic means of motiondetection including RADAR, LIDAR, ultrasound, video imaging trackingsoftware via object recognition, and frame change. Frame changeelectronically detects a change of pixel count within a scene as viewedby an imaging device as referenced against a pre-established “referenceimage” as retained in electronic memory. The change detection sensor, orinterframe comparison sensor, relies both on a threshold in terms of theactive number of pixels to activate a new frame or image. These pastinventions attempt to produce a single design product for all motion andpresence detection causing camera activated security warningsirrespective of the size or character of the person's actions or theirphysical contact with monitored objects or spaces. The result is thatthese devices tend to provide false positive alerts when something otherthan the monitored object or area is disturbed by a person.

In particular, the existing devices are more effectively designed fordetecting large changes in scenes or environments, but do not functionas effectively for small changes. In effect, they lack precision todifferentiate between the gross presence of an individual within amonitored area and the activity of the placement or proximity of a handor body where it is not desired. This lack of precision in compilingrelevant alerts and images results in copious amounts of informationbeing recorded and forwarded when such data does not include any usefulinformation regarding the activity or contact with the area of interest.For example, current PIR or frame change motion activated videomonitoring systems may provide recording and forwarding of announcementsand images of persons and their presence within a monitored space. Suchrecorded information and forwarded notifications of their presence maybe of little or no benefit. This may be especially true wheninteractions with a specific space or an individual's interaction with aspecific object (and not their mere presence) is the focus or intent ofthe monitoring. At least one method of monitoring, for many monitoringapplications as referenced herein, should include the ability to detectnot only the presence of an individual, but also the ability to detectthe proximity or the touch of a said person's hand near a valuable, animportant monitored object, or designated area. This may be to providemonitoring, recording of physical contact or proximity, remotelyalerting, and providing of a visual image of such actions to personsthat have an interest in knowing about such specific hand contact. Theimaging system may be configured to ignore the presence of a personwithin an allowable space surrounding a monitored object until contactor proximity is detected. Electronic determination of such action maycause the generation of a “Push Message” or alternately some form ofnotification, either remote or local, to allow imaging of the scene oraction on a remote monitoring device. In view of the foregoing, there isa need for improved systems and techniques for controlling andmonitoring secure areas of interest.

Disclosed herein are systems and methods for monitoring and controllinga person's interaction with select monitored objects and spaces. In atleast one embodiment, the security monitoring system of the presentinvention comprises a specialized computing device comprising acapacitance charge controller, a detection electrode, a wireless meansof communications, a remote monitoring device capable of receiving acontrol signal directly or indirectly from the capacitance chargecontroller, at least one annunciator, at least one processor, and atleast one non-transitory computer readable medium of which a least oneof this group of components may be co-located with the other.

In at least one embodiment, the system includes at least one detectionelectrode, a computing device, a signaling device, and an optionaldigital camera. The computing device is configured for movement orproximity detection, so as to detect a change of electrical capacitanceor charge at a detection electrode operatively associated with amonitored select object or space caused by detection of a physicalcontact with such object. The computing device is also configured todetermine a person's hand position relative to a system associatedselect monitored object or monitored space based on the change in theelectrical charge of a system associated electrode(s) caused by thepresence of a person's hand. Further, the computing device is configuredto control a signaling device so as to wirelessly communicate inresponse to determining the proximity or contact position of a person'shand in relation to a select monitored object or space.

In at least one embodiment of the present invention, synergism isprovided from a combination of a charge coupled detection system and amonitoring camera system including a first camera for imaging the personwhose hand is intruding into the secure monitored space or is in contactwith a select monitored object. In an example, the present inventionfeatures a low power electronic device and method that monitors theintrusion of a hand into the environment adjacent to, on or within aselect object, which may be used as a security monitoring systemincorporating an operatively associated digital camera for forensicallyrecording such action and providing real-time imaging at a remotelocation.

Additionally, a system associated digital camera may include an imagerecording device. Such recorder may be configured as to provide aforensic image recording of a person's activity by means of a continuousrecording of a scene within its field of view in timed segments whilesubsequently erasing this recorded image segment after a predeterminedperiod of time has elapsed. This function is continual and automaticunless there has then been a system-controlled determination of thepresence of all or part of a person's near proximity or contact with aselect object or space. Upon the system's detection of the presence of aperson or their hand by a detection of change in charge or capacitanceby a system associated detection electrode, the system associated videorecorder will continue recording while ceasing the automatic deletion ofthe timed video segment imaging the subject scene immediately precedingdetection of such change in charge at the detection electrode. Ineffect, this configuration will allow archival forensic viewing of theactual action of a person's activity immediately prior to and duringtheir contact with the select monitored object, while precluding theneed for viewing endless non-relevant non-event video recorded prior tothe proximity or contact event.

The system or method of the present invention is accomplished via acapacitive charge coupling through the process of sensing a change ofelectrical charge at a monitoring detection of at least one electrodecaused by the intrusion of a person's hand in, on, near, or within closeproximity to or in contact with a monitored area or select objectoperatively associated with such a detection electrode. That is, thetransfer or change of an electrical charge at a detection electrodecaused by the presence of a person's hand in contact with or nearproximity to a monitoring electrode operatively associated with the areaor object of interest. Detection of change of electrical charge of suchelectrode is accomplished via a capacitance charge controller capable ofdetermining the change in an electrode's electrical properties whenaltered by a person's hand in the vicinity, which may be defined asactual physical contact or near physical proximity such as less thanabout 25 cm, to the monitoring electrode or the select monitored object,when the object is configured to act as a monitoring electrode. Theinduced electrical changes in charge to the at least one monitoringelectrode operatively associated with a monitoring contact or proximityto a select object by the presence of a hand will cause a capacitivecharge controller computing device to generate a control signalindicating proximity or contact of a such a person's hand with theselect object. Reception of this control signal causes an associatedvideo imaging device to record an event. The recording may be forensicin nature. A digitally visual recording of events preceding the actualdetected contact may be combined with the digital visual recording ofthe specific contact event itself. Additionally, such detection maycause a warning message to appear on a user's remote monitoring device,which may include a Personal Digital Assistant (PDA), phone, iPad, ortablet. The remote monitoring device may include imaging visuallyreflecting such contact. Concurrently, such a control signal by thecharge coupled controller may cause one or more additional controllersto generate a video image to appear on a remote device. This video imagemay reflect a person's identity through software routines, which mayinclude facial recognition or the like. This video image may alsoprovide graphic representation and recording of the proximity of aperson's hand or contact with a select monitored object. This imagingmay be wirelessly recorded and forwarded to a remote location forforensic analysis. More specifically, for a system or method ofelectronically and remotely monitoring and controlling via wirelessmeans, a security monitoring system may include video imaging. Thisvideo imaging may be capable of detecting a person's hand in physicalcontact or in near proximity to a specific system associated monitoredobject or area. This video imaging may also be capable of wirelesslyproviding a message, warning, image, or a combination of these to aremotely monitoring device, while providing a means for allowing avisual identification of that person's identity.

Monitoring and controlling the operation and function of a securitysystem for monitoring physical access to select objects may be needed innumerous situations. There is a long felt, but unsolved, need todetermine, not only merely the physical presence of a person in totalityin proximity to a select object or area, but also a need to determinemore specifically, what that person is doing with their hands inrelation to that select object or space.

It may be necessary that a person be given or denied access to a varietyof objects or locations based not just on their presence or near totalbody proximity to a select monitored object, but more specifically towhat has been determined to be the relative position of their hand,their hand's proximity, or their hand's activity and contact with thatparticular object. Upon detection of the proximity of at least one ofthe person's hands in these circumstances, the system or method mayinvolve the actuation of a remote notification. The remote notificationmay involve a form of push messaging. The remote notification may alsoinvolve either the recording of an image or the activation of anannunciator or actuator based on detecting and monitoring the presenceof a person's near proximity to, or contact with, the monitored object.

One embodiment of the capacitive charge security monitoring system mayincorporate a camera system. The camera system may comprise (1) adigital camera, (2) an image capturing unit, (3) a communication unitconfigured to transmit image information captured by the camera systemto an external device, and (4) a display terminal configured to displayimage information captured by the camera system. The display terminalmay be configured to display image information captured by the camerasystem according to the prescribed conditions and image informationcaptured according to the user's instructions.

One example of the type of behavior that may need to be monitored mayinvolve monitoring a person's contact with restricted access items suchas a cash register, art, or retail consumer products which may includesuch items as cameras and phones on public display. Alternately,monitoring an unauthorized person accessing, proximity, or contact witha more specifically personal item such as a weapon or valuable jewelrycan be highly regarded in many circumstances. Another example ofrequired monitoring with remote messaging may include the monitoring ofa person accessing prescription drugs, alcohol or chemicals located in adomestic or commercial setting thereby indicating compliance ornon-compliance with a required protocol. These examples of contact maybe augmented with the need for actuation of an annunciator. Theannunciator may be either remote or local. The annunciator may alsoelectronically display video images showing the person's presence or theactivity of the person. Specifically, the annunciator may display imagesreflecting the activity of a person's hands. This may be at a locationwhere access by the authorized or non-authorized person should normallybe determined for security or monitoring purposes or both. Interferencewith such monitored and restricted locations within the environment bysuch person may cause the generation of a remote notification to aremote user. Such notifications may include actuating some form ofdeterrence to include possible notification from a remote phone or PDAlike device, a light, a sound annunciator, or activation of a videorecording device.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The accompanying drawings, which are incorporated in and constitute apart of this specification, illustrate several aspects described below.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a low power security system showing acharge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a charge coupledcontroller, a detection electrode, and a wireless digital camera inwhich at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a security system showing a charge coupledsensor assembly associated with a person's contact with a cash drawer ina business consisting of a wireless charge coupled controller, detectionelectrode, and a wireless digital camera in which at least one of theembodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example utilizing a chargecoupled security system for remotely detecting and monitoring the handof a person in contact or near proximity with a select monitored objectin a public or retail environment in which contact is to be monitored oravoided demonstrating in which at least one of the embodiments of thepresent invention is shown.

FIG. 4 is a detail illustration of a side view of FIG. 3 demonstrating awireless charge coupled proximity sensor assembly associated with adetection electrode in near contact with a select monitored object, suchas a picture or painting, for the express purpose of detection ofproximity or contact of a person's hand with the select object in whichat least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of a systemincluding a charge coupled computing device and security imaging systemcomprising the electronic components of monitoring system and a storagecontainer holding prescription drugs or restricted items for the purposeof remotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person's hands to atleast one select object in which at least one of the embodiments of thepresent invention is shown.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another application of a securitymonitoring system, illustrating electronic components comprising amonitored storage container holding valuable items for the purpose ofremotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person's hands to at leastone select object within such monitored container in which at least oneof the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration showing a monitoring systemcomprising a charge wireless charge coupled sensor assembly operativelyassociated with a wireless video imaging security system incorporating aPan-Tilt-Zoom (PTZ) mechanism utilizing a wireless communication processincluding a charge coupled electrode and controller, a digital imagingcamera, a router and a cloud based service as an Internet Of Things(IOT) communicating interface between a charge coupled transfercontroller and an end user's PDA or similar monitoring device in whichat least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing the logic associating electricalchanges detected by the capacitive charge detection electrode caused bythe detection of the presence of a person's hand with a select monitoredobject and ultimately messaging an end user's remote access point orPDA, while additionally illustrating the PTZ mechanism for automaticallyand remotely controlling the field of view of the associated imagingcamera in which at least one of the embodiments of the present inventionis shown.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment of aself-capacitance sensed detection electrode detecting the presence of aperson's hand and reflecting a change of capacitance charge induced tothat detection electrode in which at least one of the embodiments of thepresent invention is shown.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the technicalcomponents of a charge transfer controller comprised in the computingdevice for detecting the change of capacitance or charge in a detectionelectrode indicating the presence of a person's hand in proximity orcontact with an electrode associated with a select object in which atleast one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge transfer effectsof a person's hand in proximity to a detection electrode associated witha self-charge coupled sensor electrode in which at least one of theembodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 12 is an illustration showing an example of the electrical changesinduced to mutual or projected detecting capacitive charge detectionelectrode monitoring the position of an intruding hand. The detectionelectrode and controller usable with a select object monitoring systemcaused by the presence of a person's hand in which at least one of theembodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram showing an example of the logic associatedwith a security system, including optional imaging, for remotelymonitoring a select object or select area via the change in capacitancecharge detected at a sense electrodes associated with a select monitoredarea or object in which at least one of the embodiments of the presentinvention is shown.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the logic associatedwith the forensic video recording of a security or protocol violation asdetermined by activation of a capacitive charge controller comprised inthe computing device for detecting hand proximity or contact with aselect monitored object or area in which at least one of the embodimentsof the present invention is shown.

FIG. 15 is a screen shot of a Security Alert Contact Register dashboardin which a user determines who is to be contacted upon determination ofselect object hand contact or proximity in which at least one of theembodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the association of a motion detectordetecting the presence of a monitored subject, an electricallyassociated AND Gate controller logic, a camera controller, a chargecouple detection electrode detecting the presence of a hand within amonitored and controlled area and a wireless communication link to aremote user in which at least one of the embodiments of the presentinvention is shown.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the present invention showing theincorporation of a charge coupled electrode and controller for thedetection of proximity or contact with a select object in which at leastone of the embodiments of the present invention is shown incorporatingAND gate logic within a controller associated with a co-operatingalternate means of motion detection directly associated with theoperation of a monitoring camera or annunciator when incorporating anoptional remote control.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of the co-location of a motionsensor and a charge coupled detection electrode associated with a chargecouple controller (not shown) forming an assembly. Augmenting thesystem's application is a user operable key fob type remote control inwhich at least one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the present invention showing the operationand association of the remote control shown in FIG. 18 when controllingthe operation of security monitoring system in which at least one of theembodiments of the present invention is shown.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE INVENTION

It is to be understood that this invention is not limited to anyparticular embodiment described, which may vary. Also, it is to beunderstood that the terminology used herein is for the purpose ofdescribing particular embodiments only, and is not intended to belimiting, since the scope of this invention will be limited only by theappended claims.

In the following detailed description, numerous specific details are setforth in order to explain and provide a thorough understanding of thepresent invention. However, it is apparent that the present inventionmay be practiced without some of these specific details. Thus, allillustrations of the drawings are for the purpose of describing versionsof the present invention are not intended to limit the scope of theinvention.

In the following section, the present invention is described fully byreferencing the details in the enclosed drawings, which illustratecertain embodiments of the invention. The numbers shown in thisspecification refer to the corresponding numbers in the encloseddrawings. The terminology used is to describe the particular embodimentshown and is not intended to limit the scope of the invention. Theinvention may also be embodied in many other forms in addition to theembodiments shown. Thus, the embodiments shown should not be construedas limiting, but rather, to allow a thorough and complete description ofthe disclosure that conveys the scope of the invention to a personhaving ordinary skill in the art in the field of this invention.Therefore, for the terms used herein, the singular forms “the,” “a,” and“an” are intended to include the plural forms as well as the singularforms, unless the context clearly indicates otherwise. The term “and”includes any and all combinations of one or more of the associatedlisted items. As used herein, the terms “comprising” and “comprises”when used in this specification, identify specific steps, integers,operations, features, components, and elements, but do not preclude thepresence or addition of one or more other steps, operations, features,components, and elements. In addition, the features, components, andelements referenced may be exaggerated for clarity.

Unless otherwise defined, all scientific terms, technical terms, orother terms used herein have the same meaning as the term that isunderstood by one having ordinary skill in the art in the field of thisinvention. It is also understood that these terms, including theirdictionary meaning, should be understood as having the meaning, which isconsistent with their definitions in the related relevant art. Inaddition, the present disclosure is not to be interpreted in anidealized or overly formal sense unless expressly stated so herein.Constructions or functions that are well known in the art may not befully described in detail for brevity.

In describing the invention, it is understood that a number of steps andmethods may be disclosed. Each of these may have individual benefit.Also, each may be used in conjunction with at least one or more of thedisclosed steps and methods. Therefore, this description will refrainfrom stating each and every possible combination of the individual stepsand methods for the sake of brevity. Regardless, the specification andrelated claims should be understood with the combinations that areentirely within the scope of the claims and inventions.

The disclosure in this invention are examples of how it may beimplemented and are not intended to limit the scope of the invention tothe specific embodiments shown in the accompanying drawings or thedescription provided herein. The present invention will now be describedby example in the following paragraphs by referencing the accompanyingdrawings, which represent embodiments and alternative embodiments.

The detailed embodiments of the present invention are disclosed herein.It should be understood, however, that the disclosed embodiments aremerely exemplary of the invention, which may be embodied in variousforms. Therefore, the details disclosed herein are not to be interpretedas limiting, but merely as the basis for the claims and as a basis forteaching one skilled in the art how to make and use the invention.

The method comprises receiving data from a specialized communicationdevice, over a cellular, wireless, satellite, or other network to aspecial purpose computer with a non-transitory computer readable medium.In one or more of the embodiments, the functions described herein may beimplemented in any combination of hardware, software, firmware, etc. Thefunctions may be stored or transmitted as one or more softwareinstructions, computer-executable instructions, or processor-executableinstructions, or code on a tangible non-transitory computer readablemedium or on a non-transitory processor-readable storage medium, ifimplemented in software.

The steps of an algorithm, process, or method disclosed herein may beembodied in a processor-executable software module that may reside on anon-transitory computer readable medium. Non-transitory computerreadable media comprises computer storage media and communication mediaincluding any medium that facilitates transfer of a computer programfrom one place to another. A non-transitory storage media may be anyavailable media that may be accessed by the special purpose hostcomputer system.

Computer-readable media include both computer storage media andcommunication media including any medium that facilitates transfer of acomputer program from one place to another. A storage media may be anyavailable media that can be accessed by a computer. By way of example,and not limitation, such computer-readable media can comprise RandomAccess Memory (RAM), Read-Only Memory (ROM), EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code in the form of instructions or data structures and that canbe accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed acomputer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmittedfrom a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable,fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), orwireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then thecoaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wirelesstechnologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in thedefinition of medium.

Disk and disc, as used herein, includes compact disc (CD), laser disc,optical disc, digital versatile disc (DVD), floppy disk and Blu-ray discwhere disks usually reproduce data magnetically, while discs reproducedata optically with lasers. Combinations of the above should also beincluded within the scope of computer-readable media. It should beunderstood in this disclosure that Bluetooth is the same as Bluetooth.The term memory may include volatile or nonvolatile (e.g., floppy disks,hard disks, CD-ROMs, flash memory, ROM, and RAM.)

Also, combinations of the above should be included within the scope ofnon-transitory computer readable medium. In addition, the operations ofan algorithm, process, or method may reside as one or any combination orcodes, set of codes, instructions, or sets of instructions on anon-transitory machine readable medium or a non-transitory computerreadable medium, which may be incorporated into a computer programproduct. All illustrations of the drawings are for the purpose ofdescribing selected versions of the present invention and are notintended to limit the scope of the present invention.

The reference to PDA devices within the contents of this text may beconsidered to include any monitoring device, both portable and fixed,which may include iPads, laptops, computer monitors, close circuit TVmonitors and the like.

The foregoing summary, as well as the following detailed description ofvarious embodiments, is better understood when read in conjunction withthe appended drawings. For the purposes of illustration, there is shownin the drawing's exemplary embodiments. However, the presently disclosedsubject matter is not limited to the specific methods andinstrumentalities disclosed.

The presently disclosed subject matter is described with specificity tomeet statutory requirements. However, the description itself is notintended to limit the scope of this patent application. Rather, theinventor has contemplated that the claimed subject matter might also beembodied in other ways, to include different steps or elements similarto the ones described in this document, in conjunction with otherpresent or future technologies. Moreover, although the term “step” maybe used herein to connote different aspects of methods employed, theterm should not be interpreted as implying any particular order among orbetween various steps herein disclosed unless and except when the orderof individual steps is explicitly described.

As referred to herein, the term “computing device” should be broadlyconstrued. It can include any type of device including hardware,software, firmware, the like, and combinations thereof. A computingdevice may include one or more processors and memory or other suitablenon-transitory, computer readable storage medium having computerreadable program code for implementing methods in accordance withembodiments of the present invention. A computing device may be, forexample, a processing circuit for the detection of a change in voltagelevel or change in measured capacitance across a circuit. In anotherexample, a computing device may be a server or other computer locatedwithin a commercial, residential or outdoor environment andcommunicatively connected to other computing devices (e.g.,annunciators, transducers, or computers) for controlling securitymonitoring. In another example, a computing device may be a mobilecomputing device such as, for example, but not limited to, a smartphone, a cell phone, a pager, a PDA, a mobile computer with a smartphone client, or the like. In another example, a computing device may beany type of wearable computer, such as a computer with a head mounteddisplay (HMD). A computing device can also include any type ofconventional computer, for example, a laptop computer or a tabletcomputer. A typical mobile computing device is a wireless dataaccess-enabled device (e.g., an iPhone® smart phone, a BLACKBERRY® smartphone, a NEXUS ONE™ smart phone, an iPad® device, or the like) that iscapable of sending and receiving data in a wireless manner usingprotocols like the Internet Protocol (IP) and the Wireless ApplicationProtocol (WAP). This allows users to access information via wirelessdevices, such as smart phones, mobile phones, pagers, two-way radios,communicators, and the like. Wireless data access is supported by manywireless networks, including, but not limited to, CDPD, CDMA, GSM, 4G,5G, PDC, PHS, TDMA, FLEX, Reflex, ident, TETRA, DECT, DataTAC, Mobitex,EDGE and other 2G, 3G, 4G, 5G and LTE technologies. The wireless dataaccess also operates with the operating system of many handheld devices,including, but not limited to PalmOS, EPOC, FLEXOS, OS/9, JavaOS, iOS,Android, Windows 7, 8, 10, and CE. Typically, these devices usegraphical displays and can access the Internet and other communicationnetworks on so-called mini or micro-browsers, which are web browserswith small file sizes that can accommodate the reduced memoryconstraints of wireless networks. In a representative embodiment, themobile device may be a cellular telephone or smart phone that operatesover 4G/5G, General Packet Radio Services (GPRS), which is a datatechnology for GSM networks. In addition to a conventional voicecommunication, a given mobile device can communicate with another suchdevice via many different types of message transfer techniques,including Short Message Service (SMS), Enhanced SMS (EMS), Multi-MediaMessage (MIMS), email WAP, paging, or other known or later developedwireless data formats. Although many of the examples provided herein areimplemented on smart phone, the examples may similarly be implemented onany suitable computing device, such as a computer.

As referred to herein, the term “user interface” is generally a systemby which users interact with a computing device. A user interface caninclude an input for allowing users to manipulate a computing device,which may include an output for allowing the computing device to presentinformation or data that indicates the effects of the user'smanipulation, etc. An example of a user interface on a computing devicealso known as an App includes a Graphical User Interface (GUI) thatallows users to interact with programs or applications in more ways thantyping. A GUI typically can offer display objects, and visualindicators, as opposed to text-based interfaces, typed command labels ortext navigation to represent information and actions available to auser. For example, a user interface can be a display window or displayobject, which is selectable by a user on a computing device forinteraction. The display object may be displayed on a display screen ofa computing device and may be selected by and interacted with by a userusing the user interface. In at least one embodiment, the display of thecomputing device may be a touch screen, which may display the displayicon. The user may depress the area of the display screen where thedisplay icon is displayed for selecting the display icon. In at leastone other embodiment, the user may use any other suitable user interfaceof a computing device, such as a keypad, to select the display icon ordisplay object. For example, the user may use a track ball, pen pointer,or arrow keys for moving a cursor to highlight to select the displayobject.

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a low power security system comprising acharge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a charge coupledcontroller, a detection electrode, a wireless digital camera and aremote monitor, which is not shown. This system is operativelyassociated with a select monitored object 108, such as a weapon, fordetecting and remotely monitoring a person's hand accessing the selectmonitored object. FIG. 1 also shows proximity and detection componentsof a security monitoring system 100. These components monitor thephysical contact or the near proximity of a person's hand to a selectmonitored object 108 or the surrounding area. The select monitoredobject 108 may be a gun. A hand 120 intruding into the surrounding area106 is also shown. The system 100 comprises a computing device 110,which may be electrically coupled to a detection electrode 114 by anelectrical interconnect interface 122. The detection electrode 114 maydetect a change in capacitance or electrical charge in response to thepositioning of an intruding hand 120 in proximity or contact with aselect monitored object 108. As described above, the specializedcomputing device 110 may comprise hardware, software, firmware, orcombinations thereof for implementing the functionality describedherein. In at least one embodiment, the computing device 110 may includeone or more processors and memory, which may be a non-transitorycomputer readable medium. The computing device 110 may also be coupledto an electrical ground plane 118 to enhance the computing device'ssensitivity for detecting a change in charge of the sensor electrode114. The ground plane 118 may be appropriate for enhancing a return pathto ground enhancing sensitivity to change in charge at the detectionelectrode 114. In at least one embodiment, the computing device 110 maybe configured to detect the proximity of a person's hand 120 relative toa select monitored object 108. This detection may be based upon a changeof capacitance or charge sensed at the operatively associated detectionelectrode 114, which may be caused by the presence of the groundreferencing intruding hand 120. In this way, the computing device 110may determine the position of the hand 120 in relation to the detectionelectrode 114 and the relationship of the hand to the associated selectmonitored object 108. The computing device 110 may be further configuredto generate an activation control signal 115 in response to determininga change in capacitance of an electrode 114 reflecting the position ofthe hand 120 either in contact with a detection electrode 114 or withina predetermined area or distance from the detection electrode 114. Thecomputing device 110 may also be configured to transmit a control signalto an annunciator, which is not shown in FIG. 1. In at least oneembodiment, the resting, storage or containment area for the select item108 may contain more than one detection electrode 114. In at least oneother embodiment, the computing device 110 may be configured to detecteither proximity, contact, or both with the select item 108 itself. Thisembodiment may be used when the select item is configured to act as asystem associated electrode that is directly electrically associatedwith a capacitive charge controller 110.

In at least one other embodiment, in reference to FIG. 1, the computingdevice 110 and electrode 114 may be configured to sense an approximateposition of the hand 120, and whether the hand 120 is either in contactwith, in close proximity to, or in the immediate area 106 of thespecific monitored object 108. The term “close proximity” immediate areaand vicinity may be defined as being 25 centimeters or less from thespecific object 108, area 106, the detection electrode 114, or anassembly of electrodes, which is not shown in FIG. 1. When a conductiveobject, such as a person's hand 120, comes into close proximity to, orin contact with, a detection electrode 114 associated with the computingdevice 110; the local electrostatic field surrounding the detectionelectrode 114 is distorted or altered. This distortion is a measurablechange in the capacitance or charge at the detection electrode 114 asdetermined by controller 110.

With continued reference to FIG. 1, the detection electrode 114 may bepositioned as a pad. The pad may contain at least one electricallyconductive electrode, surface, or coating in electrical communicationwith a computing device 110 that is placed in direct contact or closeproximity to the object 108 being monitored. Monitored objectsassociated with a security monitoring system 100 are not ordinarily ofinterest from a security monitoring point of view unless actuallytouched or in close proximity to an intruding hand 120. The capacitanceor electrical charge of the object associated detection electrode 114,when not being intruded upon by hand 120, is first measured to obtainits operative capacitance or charge level and then stored in the memoryof the processor. Any large variations between this measured referencecapacitance or charge and the capacitance or voltage as determinedthereafter by the controller are considered indicative of a hand'sproximity or contact with the monitoring electrode, and therefore bydirect association, the hands relation to the monitored object 108. Thepredetermined distance for the proximity indication may be defined by arange of acceptable values. In at least one embodiment, the device 110may communicate a control signal if the charge value is either abovethis range or below this range. In at least one other embodiment, thedetection electrode 114 may be collocated in the computing device 110and configured to be either physically or electrically associated withthe controller. In yet one other embodiment, the monitoring may beaccomplished by means other than contact or proximity with themonitoring electrode as described above. For example, the detectionelectrode 114 associated with the computing device may be placed infront, in back of above as well as below the monitored object 108.Alternately, the electrode may be physically in contact with or mayinclude actual incorporation into the monitored object itself byelectrical interconnect interface 122. As shown in FIG. 1, provisionsfor enhancing detection of contact and proximity by controller 110 maybe provided by a ground plane reference 118, electrically isolated fromdetection electrode 114, which is in direct or indirect contact with anearth ground 410. One embodiment of the incorporation of a monitoringcamera system 200 into security monitoring system 100 is provided with acamera system serving as an image capturing unit; a communication unitconfigured to transmit image information captured by the camera systemto an external device; and a display terminal configured to displayimage information captured by the camera system. The display terminalbeing configured to display at least either of image informationcaptured by the camera system according to prescribed conditions orimage information captured according to user instructions. Also, shownin FIG. 1 is the associated electrically insulating layer 116, and thedetection electrode connection 112. By coupling the electrode connection112 to the electrode sensor 114 and coupling ground plate 118 to chargecontroller 110 via electrode connection 122, a ground node may be formedwith the surrounding area 410.

FIG. 2 is perspective view of a security system comprising a chargecoupled sensor assembly consisting of a wireless charge coupledcontroller, detection electrode, a wireless digital camera and a remotemonitor (not shown). The system is operatively associated with a cashregister and configured to initially monitor and image a person 150 or aperson's hand 120 primarily when in contact with a cash drawer at a cashregister. FIG. 2 shows a security monitoring system 101 comprising acharge coupled sensor assembly consisting of a wireless charge coupledcontroller 110, detection electrode 114, a recording wireless digitalcamera system 200 viewing the scene that includes the cash register andthe person accessing the cash register 144 or more specifically cashdrawer 124 and a remote monitor (not shown). The security monitoringsystem 101 is operatively associated with a cash register and configuredto initially monitor and image a person or a person's hand primarilywhen in contact with a cash drawer at a cash register. In at least oneembodiment, the system 101 incorporates a video camera system 200configured so it will image a person or their hand when that person'shand is moved into an area of interest generally surrounding an objectof interest.

The camera's location is configured to track the presence and proximityof a person 150 in relation to a select object 124 within the area shownin FIG. 2, which includes a viewed scene showing a person of interest150, a monitored object 144, an area or region of interest 106, adigital imaging camera 200 situated to effectively view the scene, anillustrative object of interest, such as a cash drawer 124, anillustrative area of interest area around cash register, an electrode114 functionally associated with an object of interest such as a cashdrawer, a capacitive charge controller 110 reactive to a change ofcapacitance or a charge at electrodes 114 associated with an object andarea of interest, a coupling ground plate 118, and an illuminationsource (not shown) all comprising a security monitoring system 100. Acharge transfer sensor electrode 114 and a cooperating charge transfercontroller in computing device 110 are integrated into the securitymonitoring system for detecting a subject person's hands contact or nearcontact with the cash drawer. Upon automatic determination of such handcontact, the controller will generate a control signal causing thecamera system 200 to initiate a visual recording of such an event, whileoptionally providing a notification to a remote monitor. Additionally,forensic imaging may be accomplished via camera activation prior to, butdirectly associated with, aforementioned hand contact with the cashregister or cash drawer according to one embodiment of the presentinvention.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view showing another example utilizing a chargecoupled security system for remotely detecting and monitoring a person'shand contact or near proximity with a select monitored object (objectd'art) in a public environment utilizing the charge transfer effects ofthat person's hand being within close proximity to a capacitive chargedetection electrode directly and capacitive charge coupled controllerassociated with monitoring that object. Shown is a wireless chargecoupled sensor assembly operatively associated with a select object,such as a picture, and a remote monitor (not shown). This indicates handcontact or hand proximity utilizing capacitive charge transfer. FIG. 3also shows a perspective view showing an example charge coupled securitysystem 100 for monitoring a person's or a patron's 400 contact or nearproximity to a public display item 406 in an area of interest such as anart gallery 420. In this way, contact or near proximity by a person'shand 120 to such art 406 is to be precluded by security protocol. Thecomponents of monitoring system 100 as illustrated in this figure serveto exemplify an art display as might be found in a museum or artgallery. The patron's 400 illustrated hand 120 is shown to be inphysical contact and in violation of security protocol with artwork 406representative of a select monitored object being publicly displayed ona gallery wall 410. The area or region of interest 106 and a digitalimaging camera 200 is also shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 shows the illustrated artwork's associated computing device 110in either direct or indirect association with the electricallyconductive surface of monitoring electrode 114 that may be removablysecured and is directly affixed to the backside of artwork 406.Monitoring electrode 114 is configured to be in close physical proximityto the front or rear surface of artwork 406 or the picture's frame 406.While working in conjunction with computing device 110, changes toelectrical charge of monitoring electrode 114 determined by controller110, caused by the grounding effect created by the near presence of ahand approximating embedded sensor electrode 114, can therebyeffectively determine by inference, the person's hand physical contactor near proximity to the aforementioned monitored artwork 406. Thedetermination of the degree of change in electrical charge orcapacitance at monitoring electrode 114 caused by intrusion of one'shand in near proximity to electrode 114 will cause computing device 110to generate and communicate a wired or wireless control signal,reflecting a hands contact or near proximity, to a remote annunciator,monitor or PDA, thereby providing a remote means of alerting securitypersonnel to such intrusion while optionally activating an associatedPTZ monitoring camera system 200 as previously shown forming a cameramonitoring system as shown in FIG. 3.

FIG. 4 is a detail illustration of FIG. 3 demonstrating a wirelesscharge coupled proximity sensor assembly associated with a detectionelectrode in near contact with a select monitored object (picture) forthe express purpose of detection of proximity or contact of thatperson's hand with the select object. FIG. 4 is a cut-away viewindicating the mechanical and electrical configuration of monitoredartwork 406, monitoring electrode 114, electrically conductive groundplane 118 and the associated electrically insulating layer 116operatively isolating monitoring electrode layer 114 from ground plane118. It should be appreciated that the electrical ground plane (anelectrically conductive layer) 118 shown may be in physical and/orelectrostatic contact with the illustrated mounting surface (wall) 410thereby enhancing the electrical grounding of controller 110 andsubsequently increasing its sensitivity for detecting a change incapacitance or charge at electrode 114 caused by proximity of a patron400 hand 120. Alternately, the charge controller's 110 ground referencemay be connected directly to an alternate electrical ground referencepoint if conditions permit.

FIG. 5 is a perspective view showing another example of a systemincluding a computing device and security imaging system comprising theelectronic components of monitoring system 101 consisting of a sensorelectrode, charge coupled controller and a digital recording camera incommunication with a remote annunciator (not shown) and a storagecontainer holding prescription drugs or restricted items for the purposeof remotely monitoring contact or proximity of a person's hands to suchselect object(s) according to one embodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 5 represents another example of the electronic components ofmonitoring system 101 incorporating a capacitive charge coupledcomputing device 110, a detection electrode 114 and an imaging system200 in wireless communication with PDA/Monitor 300 as shown in FIG. 7,for the purpose of remotely monitoring and detecting hand contact 120 orremoval of pill container 520 holding prescription drugs or alternatecontainers to include poison 530 or alcohol 540 whose contents mayrequire remote monitoring or restricting a person's access to as shownin FIG. 5. According to one embodiment of the present invention, asshown in FIG. 5 the hand contact or proximity of a person's hands to aselect container with restricted contents may be monitored throughcapacitive changes caused by detecting proximity of a hand 120 or achange in a container's proximity with a detection electrode 114. Also,as shown in FIG. 5 is communication signal 714 and ground plane 550.

As shown in FIG. 5, the change to the capacitance of the detectionelectrode 114 in cooperation with ground plane 550 caused by eitherproximity of a person's hand or the change in capacitance at detectionelectrode 540 caused by the displacement of the containers electricallyconductive strip, will cause capacitive charge controller 110 togenerate a control signal reflecting such a change. The generation ofthis control signal in turn will cause activation of imaging system 200thereby enabling imaging system to capture an image of the sceneassociated with such action and concurrently forward such imaging to aremote monitoring device 300, as shown in FIG. 7, via communicationsignal 714 as shown in FIG. 5. Additionally, forensic imaging of any ofthese activities may be accomplished via retaining and combining asalient segment or interval of preprogrammed video imaging occurringprior to the charge coupled controller's activation of image recordingby system associated monitoring camera while viewing the aforementionedhand contact with, or movement of, such containers according to oneembodiment of the present invention.

FIG. 6 is a perspective view showing another application of the securitymonitoring system 101, illustrating those electronic componentscomprising a monitored storage container holding valuable items or itemsof interest for the purpose of remotely monitoring contact or proximityof a person's hand to a select objects within such monitored container,according to one embodiment of the present invention, where the securitymonitoring system includes a capacitive charge controller, an electrodeand an associated imaging camera assembly. As shown in FIG. 6, theelectrode 114 may be configured for detection via self 332, as shown inFIG. 11, or mutual capacitive charge detection 340, as shown in FIG. 12.If mutual detection is required for an electrically insulated bottle orcontainer, a small conductive area may be additionally incorporated intothe bottom of such container.

FIG. 6 represents another example of the electronic components ofmonitoring system 100 incorporating a capacitive charge coupledcomputing device 110, a detection electrode 114, a container configuredas an electrically conductive electrode, such as a jewelry box, 114A andan imaging system 200 in wireless communication with a PDA/Monitor 300,as shown in FIG. 7, for the purpose of remotely monitoring and detectinghand proximity or contact 120 with, or the removal of, either contentswithin such container 600 or the container itself 602 whose contents mayrequire remote monitoring of, or restricting a person's access to suchcontents, and whether the hand 120 is either in contact with and/or inclose proximity to, specific monitored object 600 within monitored area106. Also, as shown in FIG. 6 is communication signal 714.

As shown in FIG. 6, according to one embodiment of the presentinvention, hand contact or proximity of a person's hands to a selectcontainer with restricted contents may be monitored through capacitivechanges caused by hand 120 proximity with detection electrode 114 asillustrated or alternately, as a detection electrode configured as anall or part electrically conductive container 114A. The electrode 114may be configured for detection via self or mutual detection. Thedetection of change in charge or capacitance of the detection electrode114/114A caused by the hand's 120 proximity or contact with asdetermined by controller 110 will cause capacitive charge controller togenerate a control signal indicating such change. Generation of thiscontrol signal will cause associated imaging system 200 to capture animage of the scene associated with such activity and concurrentlyforward such imaging to a remote monitoring device 300 via communicationsignal 714.

FIG. 7 is a diagrammatic illustration showing a monitoring systemcomprising a wireless charge coupled controller 110 associated withsensor assembly 114, as shown in FIG. 6, operatively associated with awireless PTZ video imaging camera 200, as shown in FIG. 7, collectivelyforming security monitoring system 103. Security system 103 utilizing awireless communication process including a digital imaging camera 200 isprimarily actuated by a charge coupled controller detecting a change inelectrical charge at electrode 114, as shown in FIG. 6, caused byproximity or contact by hand 120. The controller is configured to detecta change in electrical charge at an electrode associated with a selectmonitored object or space. The controller will generate a control signalwirelessly activating a surveillance camera 200 upon determining nearproximity or contact an intruding hand 120 with a select monitoredobject 108. Notification to an end user's PDA 300 or similar monitoringdevice with a push message or image 320 of this change in electricalcharge at the detection electrode is accomplished via charge coupledtransfer controller 110 communicating through router 220 or directlycommunicating with an IOT cloud-based service 250. Alternately, wirelesscommunication between controller 110, camera 200 and user monitor or PDA300 may be achieved directly through IOT cloud services 250 viacommunication paths 220 and 726. The association of a charge transfercontroller, sensor electrode, processor and a PDA are shown according tovarious embodiments presented herein. The view illustrating majorcomponents of the charge coupled controller and electrode sensorassembly operatively associated with an imaging camera, and majorcomponents of a Push Messaging System 240 for remotely communicating thedetection and imaging of a person's hand in contact or near proximitywith a select illustrative object 108 as shown in FIG. 1, such as aweapon, to a user as determined by contact information provided by auser completed webpage dashboard according to one embodiment of thepresent invention.

According to embodiments of the present invention, FIG. 7 is aperspective view showing the imaging components of an example securitysystem 103 for communicating with a remote annunciator/controller300/300A, which may include capability of notification to a monitor orPDA/cell phone like device via a cloud service 250. Incorporating a PTZcapability 202 into monitoring camera 200 may provide a means forautomatically re-directing the field of view of the monitoring camerawhen the camera is not directly viewing the select monitored object orarea. Additionally, it is anticipated for monitoring at least one ofhand contact and proximity to a select object or area, that a computerroutine actuated by a control signal initiated by controller 110 upondetermining a hand 120 is in near proximity or in contact with theselect monitored object or area as determined by a change in charge atelectrode 114, as shown in FIG. 6, associated with the select object,will cause the generation of a control signal. Receipt of this controlsignal by the PTZ 202 will cause an automatic actuation of the PTZfeature, thereby re-directing surveillance camera 200 field of view fromits previous orientation viewing an area or location including one thatmay include suspect individual 400, to a specific pre-programmedorientation so as to enhance the camera's field of view to directlyobserve the scene associated with monitored object 108 or monitoredarea. The use of a remote camera controller routine 300A on PDA 300 or alike device for remotely controlling the movement and mechanizations ofthe PTZ camera aiming device 202 and thereby the field of view of camera200 provides a means for user 101 to enhance their field of view ofsurrounding areas to include not only the subject's hand, butalternately, an image of the entirety of the person themselves, therebyaiding identification of the monitored individual.

One or more embodiments of the exemplary system and method may furtherinclude alerting the user 101 of the security monitoring system 103 of aviolator's hand 120 intrusion as determined by proximity to or contactwith the monitored select object 108 and subsequently providing a meansof enhancing the remote viewing of the violator's collective behaviorand the actions of the violator's hand proximity or contact with thatselect monitored object.

As another example of an alternate configuration of the monitoringsystem 103, the sensor electrode 114 (not shown) associated with theselect object 108 is in direct communication 700 with the computingdevice 110 and may be operatively coupled to an imaging device 200 via acontrol signal 712 as a means of remotely monitoring activities relatedto a specific object 108 and the specific object's immediate area 106associated with the monitoring system 103. Activation of computingdevice 110 as caused by determining the proximity of a hand or contactin the vicinity with a select object 108 and its associated detectionelectrode 114 may cause the generation of indirect control signal 714via router 220 and signal 712 or the generation of direct control signal722 activating imaging device 200 and associated PTZ mechanism 202.Receipt of control signal 722 or signal 714 by camera 200 and PTZassembly 202 may cause the forensic recording of an image within view ofthe camera to be recorded and stored in cloud service 250. This imagingmay be referenced, viewed and recorded directly or indirectly by aremote device 300. In this application of the invention the term“forensic recording” is used to describe the activation of camera 200 bycomputing device 110 viewing that person belonging to an intrusive hand120 upon determination of that person's hand in near proximity orcontact to the select monitored object. This configuration provides thecapability of system 100 to anticipate and visually capture the actualevent of physical contact of a hand 120 with the select object in itsentirety to include moments that precede actual hand contact with theselect monitored object. Alternately, a means of motion detectiondirectly associated with the activation of a co-operating monitoringcamera or annunciator caused by either serial activation of the cameraassociated motion detection and activation of a charge coupledcontroller (in either order) or alternately activation of a means ofmotion detection and an AND gate logic activation associated with aconcurrent activation of motion detection means and activation of thecharge coupled controller. Optional image processing software (notshown) may be used to selectively activate imaging camera 200 when thatperson is in near proximity or contact with monitored object or area asdetermined by activation of computing device 110 as caused bydetermining the proximity of a hand or contact in the vicinity with aselect object 108 and its associated detection electrode 114 causing thegeneration of indirect control signal 714.

As shown in FIG. 7, control signal 712 generated by activation ofcomputing device 110 causing the generation of control signal 744 andconcomitant digital imaging 746 generated by activation of camera 200viewing select object in viewing area 106 may wirelessly communicatewith annunciator/PDA 300 via signal 720 directly via a cloud based(GSM/4G/5G or the like) or a cloud notification push server 240communication arrangement working with a user webpage data accessdashboard or both. Alternately, the communication channel may include anIOT router 220. The router receives control signal 712 from controller110 and imaging signal 714 from camera 200. This information isforwarded through a link 716 to the cloud 250 accessed by a remotemonitor either indirectly via signal 720 through push server 240 ordirectly from the cloud or web backbone via signal 726 or an indirectaccess to through signal 720 originating from cloud notification pushserver 240 communication arrangement working with a user webpage dataaccess dashboard 290 via communication link 718. Alternately, directwired or wireless communication, to include Wi-Fi, between computingdevice 110, camera 200 and annunciator 300 may be utilized and isanticipated.

As depicted in FIG. 7, provided within security monitoring system 100 isa capacitive charge coupled proximity controller 110 in wirelesscommunication with a remote central data server 240 capable of providingremote alerts to a fixed or portable monitoring device via a wirelesscloud connection. These alerts comprise audible or visual announcementsindicating a subject person's contact or proximity to a select monitoredareas and/or object's functionally associated with a sensor detectionelectrode. Contact may be defined as direct physical contact with, ornear presence to, the sensor electrode as caused by a person or a partthereof being within about 2.5 cm or less of such object associatedsensor while near proximity to an electrode may be defined as a distancebetween the subject person's hand (or person's physical parts thereof)being about 30 cm or less proximate to the select object or itsassociated sensor electrode. The changes in electrical charge at theelectrode caused by proximity or contact of a subject's hand, asdetermined by change in charge at the electrode as determined by thecapacitive charge controller, provides a means for specificallydetermining when a person's hands near presence or actually contact withsuch electrode and by inferred association, the select object or areabeing monitored while visually monitoring the entirety of the actions ofthat subject person of interest.

The subject person 150 may be detected by at least one of the associatedimaging camera assemblies 200 when entering monitored area referred toas the scene 106. According to requirements for effective surveillanceof the select area or object, different imaging cameras may incorporateinfrared or thermal capabilities as well as different fields of view andviewing ranges as deemed appropriate. The camera assembly 200 maycommunicate with a Wi-Fi access point 220 through signal 714 and a webbackbone 250 to a server 240 through cloud service 250, which isultimately forwarded to an associated remote computing device 300,thereby alerting the user with a push message or image 320. Alternately,the camera 200 and capacitive charge controller 110 may bi-directionallycommunicate with the cloud services 250 via GSM, 4G-5G communication744, 746 thereby bypassing potential security concerns with reliabilityof Wi-Fi services. Device 300 may also concurrently communicatebi-directionally with video camera 200 via communication link 726, 716,and 714 so as to provide in addition to live streaming video informationviewed in scene 106 a means for the user via indirect communication withremote web based server 240 via signal 720 a means of remotelycontrolling a PTZ function to enhance viewing by the camera system. Inaddition, subsequent to the person's detected entry into systemdetection area 106 by camera system 200 and the concomitant generationof control signal 712 by controller 110 upon proximity detection ofcontact or near proximity of that persons' hand to sensor electrode 114,(in this illustration shown as a gun) imaging system 200 may cause therecording of at least one image to be stored locally or remotely forfuture forensic reference by operating memory 140 and firmware 139within cloud service 250. As shown in FIG. 7, an alternate to a Wi-Ficommunication pathway is provided by a GSM, 4G/5G link 744 and 746. Thisalternate method of communication provides a more secure means of datatransfer through a direct communication link between capacitive chargecontroller 110 and cloud notification push server via IOT cloud service250. Push server 240 in communication with cloud service 250 generatesan audio, text, or image message, which is ultimately forwarded to anassociated remote computing device 300 via data link 720 therebyalerting the user with a push message 320. Additionally, it should beappreciated that in consideration of the specific needs for thesurveillance of the select areas or objects of interest by capacitivecharge sensor electrodes and a charge controller, that video cameras andvideo recordings may not be required for that particular intendedapplication and may not be present and may not be incorporated intoparticular iteration of monitoring system 100.

In at least one embodiment, the system 103 incorporates a video camerasystem 200 configured so it will detect a person who moves into an areaof interest 106 generally surrounding the object of interest. Thelocation of the camera is configured to visually track the presence andproximity of a person 150 in relation to a select object 108 withinscene area 106 as shown in FIG. 2, includes a viewed scene showing aperson of interest 150, a monitored object, an area or region ofinterest 106, a digital imaging camera 200 situated to effectively viewthe scene, an illustrative object of interest (cash drawer) 124, anillustrative area of interest (area around cash register) 106, anelectrode 114 associated with object of interest (cash drawer), acapacitive charge controller 110 reactive to change of capacitance orcharge at electrodes 114 associated with an object and area of interest,an illumination source (not shown) all comprising security monitoringsystem 100. Charge transfer sensors may be integrated into theaforementioned monitoring system for detecting hand contact or handvicinity.

FIG. 8 is a block diagram representing the logic associating electricalchanges detected by the capacitive charge detection electrode caused bythe presence of a person's hand near a select monitored object andmessaging an end user of such presence at a remote access point, monitoror PDA upon detection of contact or near proximity by a person to such aselect object or area.

FIG. 8 additionally illustrates an optional, more advanced mechanism foruse of an automated PTZ mechanism associated with a provided digitalimaging camera. This optional capability provides a means ofautomatically or remotely controlling the field of view of the providedimaging camera so as to monitor both a large general area associatedwith a select object and subsequently, when required, upon detection ofthe presence of a person near a select object, automatically or manuallyre-focus the field of view of such camera onto a narrower field of viewencompassing more specifically the select object or area.

As shown in FIG. 8, the block diagram references the logic and actionsassociated with a security monitoring system 103. The monitoring of aprotocol or security violator begins with detection of that person'spresence within a monitored area by any one of the aforementioned meansfor detecting a person's presence 805. The security monitoring videoimaging commences irrespective of the means of initiation and activationpreviously shown, such as PIR, frame change, image recognition etc., andmay continue to view an area of interest different, but associated with,the scene in which the monitored object appears 810. Subsequently,determination of physical contact, or very near proximity (for example,less than about 2 cm or less) by the imaged person 120, as shown in FIG.1, to the select object or area causes a change in electrical charge inthe select object or the objects associated monitoring electrodes 815.This change in charge 817 at the monitoring electrode 114, as shown inFIG. 1, causes capacitive charge controller 110, as shown in FIG. 1, togenerate a control signal 819 which directly or indirectly causes theimmediate image to be captured and permanently stored in memory 830 bycamera system 200, as shown in FIG. 1. Concurrently, this control signalmay cause the activation of the camera's PTZ mechanism causing thecamera to redirect its field of view from its current field of view toan alternate, preprogrammed field of view 845; thereby, encompassing andenhancing imaging of the select monitored object or select area.Alternately, at logic decision point 820, if no control signal isgenerated by controller 110, as shown in FIG. 1, reflecting contact withthe select object or area after a predetermined period of time, theimaging viewed by camera 200, as shown in FIG. 1, currently stored inmemory is then removed from camera memory 825, and the camera imagerecording ceases and the camera detection status is then returned tostandby 805.

However, if contact or near proximity to the select object is detected815, the control signal 712, as shown in FIG. 7, from charge controller110, as shown in FIG. 1, indicating activation is forwarded along withthe cameras captured image of the scene including the intruder and theselect object 830 forwarded to a wireless means of communications 835incorporating a remote cloud push server 840. The Cloud push server 240,as shown in FIG. 7, will forward a push message and images of the scenereflecting that person's actual contact with the select monitored objectto a user access point or location 860 as determined by a previouslyconfigured user webpage 850. Concurrently, a means for image facialrecognition 855 (not shown) of that image of that person captured byimaging camera 200, as shown in FIG. 7, may be provided in theinformation forwarded to a user's PDA or monitor 860. If provided, themeans of software facial recognition 855 may be applied to the imagingcapture by camera system 200, as shown in FIG. 7, by system associatedsoftware within the camera system directly. Alternately, a systemassociated program within a cloud-based server may provide the requiredimage processing.

Additionally, the user's PDA or monitor may include a remote manualmeans 300A, as shown in FIG. 7, or supplement an automatic means 845,for controlling the PTZ functions 865 associated with re-directing thecamera's field of view. This capability, controlling the imaging cameraso as to control and optimize the cameras field of view, enhances remoteviewing by the user while providing a means of more precisely recordingthe scene of interest in real time.

FIG. 9 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment ofself-capacitance sensed detection electrode, while detecting thepresence of a person's hand according to embodiments of the presentinvention and reflecting a change of capacitance charge induced to thatelectrode.

In regards to FIG. 9, the proximity detection functions in such a waythat there exists a capacitance between any electrical surface referencepoint relative to the ground, as long as electrical isolation existsbetween the reference point and the ground. The detection electrodesensor 114 may be the reference point in an electrically conductive areaas shown in FIGS. 1 and 9. The sensing plate 114 may be further coupledto a charge coupled controller 110, as shown in FIG. 1, via detectionelectrode connection 112. As shown in FIG. 1, by coupling the electrodeconnection 112 to the electrode sensor 114, and by coupling the groundplate 118 to charge controller 110 via electrode connection 122, aground node may be formed within the surrounding area 410. As shown inFIG. 9, when the hand 120 is brought into close proximity of about 30centimeters or less in this exemplary embodiment of the detectionelectrode sensor 114 an increased coupling between the reference pointand the ground occurs. As a result, the capacitance of the electrodesensor 114 and the electrically associated surface area, relative toground 118 can increase. This capacitance is compared by at least oneprocessor within controller 110 with a reference capacitor whosecapacitance or charge may be altered so as to allow adjustment of thesystems detection sensitivity threshold. When the intruding hand 120 isphysically positioned near electrode sensor 114, the presence of thehand may increase the capacitance between the electrode sensor 114 andthe ground electrode 118 as the hand approaches the object associatedwith the detection electrode 114. The detection electrode may be used ina large number of applications. For example, the electrode sensor 114may be mounted on a wall or in a mat placed under or around themonitored object as will be discussed below.

FIG. 10 is a block diagram showing an example of the technicalcomponents of a charge transfer controller comprised in the computingdevice 110 for detecting the presence of a person's hand in proximity orcontact with an electrode associated with a select object according toembodiments of the present invention.

With regard to FIG. 10, a block diagram showing an example of a chargetransfer controller comprised in the computing device 110 for detectingthe intrusive hand 120 is provided according to at least one embodimentof the present invention. Touching, or in close proximity to, thedetection electrode 114 can increase the capacitance significantly. Tomeasure a change in the capacitance, the charge transfer controllercomprised in the computing device 110 is provided. The charge transfercontroller employs a charge transfer method of capacitive sensing. Acharge is initially transferred to all of the electrically contiguousparts of the detection electrode 114 via electrical interconnectinterface 112, thereby allowing it to function as a capacitor (CX) whilea charge is transferred into charge collection reference capacitor (CS)until the voltage on capacitor CS reaches a tripping point.

As described in FIG. 1, a detection electrode 114 comprising anelectrically conductive surface area in direct or indirect contact (nearproximity) thereby operatively associated with determining contact ornear proximity of a hand to the monitored object 108. It should beunderstood that the monitored object itself may function as the requireddetection sensor electrode 114 independently when interconnection 112 isin direct electrical contact with an electrically conductive surfaceinherent in, or imposed upon, the monitored object itself. Theelectrical interconnect interface 112 and detection electrode 114associated with the charge transfer controller may be incorporated intothe computing device 110. The method of FIG. 10 includes determining theposition of a hand based on the measured capacitance or voltage of acharge coupled detection electrode. Continuing the aforementionedexample, the charge transfer controller may determine a position of thehand 120 based on the measured capacitance or voltage at electrode 114as shown in FIG. 1. Further, the method includes controlling a signalingdevice to communicate a signal in response to determining the positionof the hand and its approximation to a system associated sensorelectrode 114. The method of FIG. 10 also includes checking for pre-setannunciator settings.

FIG. 11 is a schematic diagram illustrating the charge transfer effectsof a person's finger 120 in proximity to a detection electrodeassociated with a self-charge coupled sensor electrode 114 according toone embodiment of the present invention. Associated with the controller,the assembly measures the capacitance between the sensor electrode andground. Thus, FIG. 11 shows an example of an embodiment of a capacitancemonitored detection sensed via self-capacitance. With continuedreference to FIG. 11, self-capacitance uses the at least one processorwithin charge transfer controller comprised in the computing device 110to measure the current or electrical charge 332 on each detectionelectrode 114 to ground and therefore is called “self-capacitance.” Asthe person's finger 120 touches or is near an electrode 114, some of thecharge of the electrode 114 is coupled to the finger 120 and is drawnaway as current 334 reduces the electrical charge 336 of the electrode114 detected by the charge transfer controller comprised in computingdevice 110.

FIG. 12 is an illustration showing an example of the electrical changesinduced to mutual or projected detecting capacitive charge detectionelectrode monitoring the position of an intruding hand 120. Thedetection electrode and controller usable with a select objectmonitoring system caused by the presence of a person's hand according toembodiments of the present invention measures the capacitance betweenthe transmitter electrode and the receiver electrode.

FIG. 12 is a schematic diagram showing an example of an embodiment ofmonitoring system 100 utilizing projected capacitance of detectionelectrodes 114 and 114A sensed via mutual capacitance according toembodiments of the present invention. Mutual capacitance is theintentional or unintentional capacitance between two “charge holdingobjects.” Mutual capacitance detection electrodes 114 and 114Aintentionally create mutual capacitance 340 between a closelyapproximating pair of electrodes. The mutual capacitance is in thevicinity where the electrodes intersect with the other. This allows theat least one processor within the charge transfer controller comprisedin computing device 110 to measure each node (intersection) individuallyto detect one or more touches on the monitored surface or vicinity ofthe electrode during one scan of the associated electrodes. As theperson's hand 120 touches or is present near an intersection of theseelectrodes, some of the mutual capacitance between the pair ofelectrodes 342 is coupled to the hand 120 which reduces the capacitanceat the intersection as measured by the charge transfer controllercomprised in the computing device 110. This reduced capacitance crossesthe “touch threshold” set by the associated computing device indicatinga touch or near contact has occurred and causes a control signal to begenerated.

FIG. 13 is a block diagram exemplifying the logic associated with abasic charge coupled security monitoring system provided for the purposeof monitoring hand contact or proximity to a select object or area. Thismonitoring detects the change in electrical charge detected at a senseelectrode operatively associated with a capacitive charge controllercomprised in the computing device. The computing device incorporates alogic controller for detecting the presence of a person's hand inproximity or contact with an electrode associated with a select objectaccording to at least one embodiment of the present invention. FIG. 13additionally illustrates the logic associated with an optional, moreadvanced mechanism for use of an imaging camera system so as to providevideo monitoring to a remote user for the purpose of observing theassociated proximity and contact events when detected by the monitoringsystem.

As shown in FIG. 13, the block diagram references the logic and actionsassociated with security monitoring system 100. The monitoring of aprotocol or security violator begins with the optional detection of aperson's presence 604 within a monitored area by any one of theaforementioned means for detecting a person's presence, such as aPIR/Camera Firmware/Software Motion Detection 606 or Object RecognitionSoftware 608 or both causing activation of the camera imaging system,which is also known as the Motion Detection/ Object Recognition CausesCamera Activation 610. Imagery captured by the camera system also knownas the Camera System Images and Records Person in Control Area 614 isretained in either short term image recording and storage memory 618 oralternately in long term archival image storage 622 depending on theuser's preference.

Charge coupled logic controller 630 is associated with a charge coupledcontroller capable of through putting imagery from camera system 614 viaWi-Fi/Internet/Cloud Communications backbone 640 to user PDA 660, whileconcurrently reactive to inputs from associated capacitive chargeelectrodes configured to detect a hand's near proximity 634 or hand'scontact 636 with select monitored objects or areas. Addressing theoperating logic of logic controller 630, where a number 1 indicates atouch condition or motion detection state on the corresponding channeland zero indicates a no-contact condition/state. The required sequenceof logic state combinations can be summarized as: “00” indicates nomotion and no contact detection, “10” indicates motion detection and nocontact detection, “01” indicates no motion detection and contactdetection and logic state, “11” indicates motion detection AND contactdetection. Alert messaging consisting of specific messages directlyreflecting the logic state of the logic controller, along with theprovided optional video imaging is forwarded to the user's PDA ormonitor through a cloud associated Push Message Server 656. The wirelessserver will provide an alert message 650 corresponding to the logicregister within the logic controller (alternately along with imageryfrom image memory) to the user's PDA or monitor 660 according to apre-established access protocol controlled by a routine within thesystem associated user webpage dashboard 644.

FIG. 14 is a block diagram showing an example of the logic associatedwith the forensic video recording of a security violation as determinedby activation of a capacitive charge controller comprised in thecomputing device for detecting hand proximity or contact with a selectmonitored object or area. The block diagram in FIG. 14 exemplifies thelogic associated with security monitoring system 100 incorporating aforensic video recording of a security violation as determined byactivation of a capacitive charge controller comprised in the computingdevice used for detecting hand proximity or contact with a selectmonitored object or area. Camera activation 500 from a standby(non-recording) state 522 is initiated by a control signal emanatingfrom either one, both, or all signal sources, which are the chargecontroller activation 502, the electronic frame change detection 504,and the PIR/Thermal detection 506. Upon activation of the monitoring andrecording camera, those images of the monitored scene within view of thecamera captured by camera system 200, as shown in FIG. 1, are thenstored in a temporary addressable memory 508 associated with monitoringcamera system 200. A user programmable software routine 510 concurrentlyassociated with memory recorder 508 controls the length and duration ofthe video recording held in temporary memory per instructions fromroutine 510. A determination of the final format and the conversion ofthis recording to a permanent or non-permanent state is controlled by alogic routine 512. Logic routine 512 controls the disposition of theimaging 508 captured in routine 500 by determining the order andsequence of the control signals activating camera system 200. If routine512 determines that camera activation occurred initially by detection ofintrusion into the secure monitored area via PIR, frame change, orsimilar means, absent detection by capacitive charge controller 524,then logic 516 will cause the temporary imaging of the secure scene 508to be deleted or erased from memory 520 unless otherwise required 518.Subsequent to this memory erasure of short-term imaging, the monitoringcamera system 200 will be returned to a nonrecording standby state 522.

In the event that routine 512 determines camera activation occurredinitially due to receiving a control signal initiated by chargecontroller 524, then logic 512 seeks to determine if a subsequentcontrol signal 504 or 506 has been received. The optional Boolean logic526 of routine 512 provides redundancy in the determination of the nearconcurrence of both a control signal indicating physical contact or nearproximity to the select monitored object 502 and the detection of aperson via visual means 504 or 506 has occurred. Determination of thisconcurrence will then cause the system 100 to transfer temporary image508 to a retrievable long-term memory 528. Additionally, routine 530will cause a timed segment or interval of video imaging of the scene 508preceding the actual detection of physical contact or near proximitywith the select monitored object to then accompany the conversion 528 ofthe now continually recorded scene 508 to a permanently stored videosegment imaging the actual event showing the contact or proximity withthe select object within a secure location scene 532. This availabilityof a combination of pre and post contact or security violation imagingwill provide a permanent forensic 532 (before actual contact) videorecord for either local or remote review 534. In this manner, the systemor method integrates these components into a specific practicalapplication of determining what occurred immediately prior to the persontouching or being in the near vicinity of the object. The video that issaved may be limited to a certain time frame 510, such as about the twominutes prior to or after the person touching or being in the nearvicinity of the object. In this way, the claimed system or methodimproves the operation of the special purpose computer in retaining onlythe essential video data that is recorded in the time period prior to orafter the person touches the object or is in the near vicinity of theobject.

As a result, the claims of this invention provide an improvement in thetechnical field by limiting the amount of total video data to berecorded while allowing data to be uniquely recorded just prior to thecontact triggering event. It should be understood, subsequent to camerasystem 200 imaging and permanently recording security violations asdetermined in the observed scene for a period as determined by routine510, camera system 200 is then returned to its non-recording standbystate 522 awaiting further re-activation.

FIG. 15 is a screen shot of a user webpage data access dashboard 290with the title “Security Alert Contact Register”. This system associateduser programmable contact webpage provides the user or monitoring personthe means by which to remotely select those persons to receive an audio,push message or email alert when automatically requested when contact orproximity is detected with select object or select area in which atleast one of the embodiments of the present invention is shown.

The monitoring camera system previously described may be operativelyassociated with the serial or concurrent (as determined by AND gatelogic) activation of one or more system associated motion detectors.This enhancement to the security monitoring system 100 is provided as ameans assuring maximal reliability, while maintaining optimalsensitivity and granularity, for detecting the presence of an intrudinghand, or alternately determining the required presence of a hand orperson with, to, or associated with, a select object or finite area asdetermined by the change in charge at a charge coupled electrode. Theavoidance of incurring an increase in false positive indications ofintrusion and erroneous camera or annunciator activations as a result ofthe systems charge coupled processor's potential excessive sensitivityto extraneous and spurious electrical charges within the surroundingenvironment may be accomplished by the incorporation of one or moreadditional co-operating electronic motion detection means operativelyassociated the charge coupled controller influence on the cameracontroller. The means by which this redundant detection means may beaccomplished is through the use of a AND gate controller or an AND gatelogic configuration whereby both a control signal from the systemassociated motion detector and a control signal from the charge coupledcontroller are required to activate the camera controller. Alternately,the aforementioned motion detector means and the charge coupledcontroller may be electrically associated serially, whereby the enablingof either one of motion or charge coupled detectors determining anintruding hand then causes the subsequent enabling of the otherco-operating detector thereby allowing for a redundant detection of theintruding hand before a control signal is forwarded to the cameracontroller. Subsequent activation of the camera controller is thendirectly associated with the operation of a monitoring camera orannunciator.

Determining the presence of a person within the immediate areasurrounding a select monitored object or space will cause the motiondetector to generate a control signal directly related to engaging theoperation of a charge coupled controller. A serial or concurrent controlsignal from BOTH the motion detector indicating the presence of a personAND the charge coupled controller indicating the presence of a hand innear proximity to a select object or space will then cause theactivation of at least one of a system associated monitoring cameraand/or annunciator. The provided additional means of motion detectionmay include at least one sensor incorporating sonar, microwave, radar,LiDAR (Light Detection and Ranging), ultrasound, light beaminterruption, camera imaging, accelerometer, PIR pyro-electric sensor,motion detection, mass detection or external electrical contact.

Note that as the name suggests, LiDAR works in a similar way to Radarand Sonar yet uses light waves from a laser, instead of radio or soundwaves. A LiDAR system calculates how long it takes for the light to hitan object or surface and reflect back to the scanner. LiDAR systems canfire around 1,000,000 pulses per second. The principle behind LiDAR isreally quite simple. Shine a small light at a surface and measure thetime it takes to return to its source. When you shine a torch on asurface what you are actually seeing is the light being reflected andreturning to your retina.

RADAR uses radio waves (Longer Wavelength), while LiDAR uses Light waves(Shorter Wavelength). LiDAR is more accurate than RADAR as it usesshorter wavelength. While RADAR is used in applications where detectiondistance is important but not the exact size and shape of an object,like in military applications.

Note that in addition to, or in lieu of serial activation of themonitoring systems motion and proximity sensors, one detectionenhancement to increase the reliability of the monitoring system toavoid, and reject false positive indications reflected in inappropriatecamera or annunciator activations is provided by the incorporation of aroutine involving Boolean AND gate logic (internally or externallyassociated with the camera controller). The AND logic is operativelyassociated with the concurrent or sequential activation of one of theaforementioned select motion detectors and the concurrent electronicdetermination of either near proximity or contact with the select objector area as determined by the charge coupled controller. This concurrentor sequential redundancy of activations by alternate means of detectionof a person's presence provides a reliable means by which the nearpresence of a person or hand to a monitoring electrode is validated bythe independent detection of the persons presence as an entirety as wellas their charge coupled effect of ones hand's on the area or objectspecific detection electrode. The additional cooperating motion sensordetection means shown above may be independently situated or co-locatedwith the charge couple detector electrode for optimal monitoring effect.

Since the nature of security monitoring system 100 designed is to detectand report near proximity of a person, the practical operation of thesystem may be assisted and more readily accomplished via the use of awireless remote control to control its operation. The remotecontroller's means of wireless communication with the system'sassociated controllers may include one or more RF transmitter, IRtransmitter an RFID transponder, a means of wireless communication froma cell phone and/or a Bluetooth communication link.

FIG. 16 is a diagram showing the association of a motion detector 1180detecting the presence of a monitored subject 1190, an electricallyassociated AND Gate controller 1160, a camera 1200, a camera controller1150, a charge couple detection electrode 1170 detecting the presence ofa hand 1210 within a monitored and controlled area 1220 and a wirelesscommunication link 1140 to a remote user 1120 through a cloud 1000 and amonitoring device 1110.

FIG. 16 is diagram representing an alternate embodiment of the presentinvention for a secure monitoring environment 1130 that involves the useof a motion detector 1180. The motion detector 1180 is configured todetect the presence of a person 1210 within the immediate environment ofthe select object or area. The motion detector is also capable ofgenerating a control signal upon determination of the immediate presenceof a person within environment 1220. This control signal communicatesdirectly or indirectly with an AND gate controller logic 1160cooperating with the camera controller 1150. A system associated chargecoupled controller (not shown) and detection electrode 1170 is also indirect or indirect communication with the AND gate camera controller1160 cooperating with the camera controller 1150. Determination of thepresence of a person's intruding hand 1210 within environment 1240indicated by activation of charge coupled controller via sense electrode1170 causes the generation of a control signal. Upon the concurrentsubsequent or serial receipt of a control signal from BOTH the motiondetection controller and the charge couple controller, by the AND gatecontroller 1160, the monitoring system camera controller 1150. camera1200 and annunciator will be activated. Communication with an externalannunciator 1110 or a user 1120 may be accomplished via wireless meansto include Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, GSM, LTE, 4/5G means. It should beunderstood; within the configuration as shown, it is anticipated thatcamera 1200 itself may be configured independently as the motiondetecting (sensor) device either through software or hardware meanswhile concurrently functioning as the imaging device 1200.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the present invention showing theincorporation of a means of motion detection directly associated withthe operation of a monitoring camera or annunciator when cooperatingwith an optional remote control 1450, an AND gate controller and acharge coupled controller for the detection of proximity or contact witha select object.

FIG. 17 is a flowchart of the present invention which in part shows theassociation of a network 1300 with an auxiliary motion detection scheme1310 integrated with an optional user remote controller 1450 and Booleanlogic thereby controlling the charge coupled detection of contact with aselect object or area and the ultimate activation of a securitymonitoring camera 1480. The motion detection capabilities may beprovided by one or more of the following means to include PIR 1320,SONAR 1330, Microwave 1340, Radar 1350, Lidar 1360, Light Beam Detection1370, camera imaging 1380, an accelerometer 1390, a pressure or massdetection 1400, an object recognition 1410, and/or an electro-mechanicalmake or break electrical circuits 1420 and Camera Imaging 1460 which mayinclude software image recognition 1470. It is to be understood, thecamera may itself, with or without image recognition capabilities may beconfigured and utilized as a means of motion detection to augment thismotion detection scheme 1310. Activation of the monitoring camera and/orannunciator requires BOTH a control signal from a system associatedmotion detector controller AND the activation of capacitive chargecoupled controller 1430. Such signals may be received eitherconcurrently or serially as determined by an electrical configurationand/or the AND gate controller 1440. This collaborative arrangement ofdual detection utilizing both camera imaging and object recognition1460-70 and/or auxiliary motion detection shown and charge coupledproximity detection provides a robust means for determining the presenceof a subjects contact with a select object or area while providing areliable and secure means of avoiding false positive indicationsdemonstrated by camera motion or object recognition alone therebyeliminating false warnings caused by spurious artifacts and faithfullyrepresenting the presence of a non-existent person or thing prior toactivation.

FIG. 18 is a diagrammatic representation of the co-location of a motionsensor and a charge coupled detection electrode associated with a chargecouple controller (not shown). Augmenting the system is a user operablekey fob type remote control.

FIG. 18 is a diagram showing the configuration of a motion detector 910co-located with a charge coupled detector electrode 114 within aspecially configured assembly 110 housing a remote-control receiver (notshown) and a charge coupled controller (not shown). Also shown is auser's hand operated remote-control key fob 920 operative associatedwith activating and deactivation the detection system via signal 922.

FIG. 19 is a flowchart of the present invention showing the operationand association of the remote control 1500 shown in FIG. 18 whencontrolling the operation of security monitoring system 100. FIG. 19 isa flowchart representing the implementation of a user's remote control1500 for controlling an operatively associated charge coupled controlledsecurity monitoring camera. The wireless means of the remote control1500 may include at least one of an RF transmitter 1510, an IRtransmitter 1520, an RFID transponder 1530, a cell phone wireless means1540 a cell phone App or a form of Bluetooth communication 1550. Theuser's remote control comprises a wireless means of communicating withand controlling of one or more components associated with the operationof the security monitoring camera. The components in directcommunication with the remote control 1500 may include a motiondetection controller 1560, a charge coupled controller 1570 and/or acamera controller 1580 in communication with a camera 1590 required foractivation as to provide imaging to a remote user via a communicationnetwork. The system interlink communication 1600 comprises a LAN/WIFIrouter 1610, a 4G/5G/GSM/LTE cloud 1620, and a local annunciator 1630.

In at least one embodiment, the functions of the device or methoddescribed may be implemented in software, firmware, hardware, or anycombination thereof. When implemented in software, the functions may betransmitted, as one or more instructions or code on, over or stored onat least one computer-readable medium. The computer-readable media mayinclude both communication media and computer storage media, includingany medium that facilitates transfer of a computer program from oneplace to another. A storage media may be any available media that can beaccessed by a computer. By way of example, and not limitation, suchcomputer readable media can comprise RAM, ROM, EEPROM, CD-ROM or otheroptical disk storage, magnetic disk storage or other magnetic storagedevices, or any other medium that can be used to carry or store desiredprogram code in the form of instructions or data structures and that canbe accessed by a computer. Also, any connection is properly termed acomputer-readable medium. For example, if the software is transmittedfrom a website, server, or other remote source using a coaxial cable,fiber optic cable, twisted pair, digital subscriber line (DSL), orwireless technologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave, then thecoaxial cable, fiber optic cable, twisted pair, DSL, or wirelesstechnologies such as infrared, radio, and microwave are included in thedefinition of medium.

All of these embodiments and the invention disclosed herein are intendedto be within the scope herein disclosed. These and other embodiments ofthe invention will become readily apparent to those skilled in the artfrom the detailed description of at least one embodiment havingreference to the attached figures, the embodiments not being limited toany particular embodiment disclosed. Also, the invention disclosedherein suitably may be practiced in the absence of any element which isnot specifically disclosed herein.

While certain embodiments have been shown and described, it will beunderstood that there is no intent to limit the invention by suchdisclosure, but rather, is intended to cover all modifications andalternate constructions falling within the spirit and scope of theinvention as defined in the appended claims.

Although the invention has been explained in relation to at least oneembodiment, it is to be understood that many other possiblemodifications and variations may be made without departing from thespirit and scope of the invention.

1. A security system for monitoring the presence of a person's hand inthe vicinity in at least one of a select object and space comprising: a.a special purpose computer; b. a capacitance charge controller; c. adetection electrode; d. a wireless means of communications; e. a remotemonitoring device capable of receiving a control signal directly orindirectly from the capacitance charge controller; f. at least oneannunciator; g. a signaling device; h. a monitoring camera systemconfigured to detect a change of charge or electrical capacitance at anoperatively associated electrode; i. at least one processor; j. at leastone additional means of detecting motion or a person's presence; and k.at least one non-transitory computer readable medium, wherein theselected object may be selected from the group consisting of a retailitem, cash, art, a weapon, a computer, jewelry, data, valuables,documents, alcohol and drugs.
 2. A security system for monitoring thepresence of a person's hand in the vicinity in at least one of a selectobject and space comprising: a. a special purpose computer configured todetect a change of an electrical capacitance or charge at a detectionelectrode operatively associated with the presence of a person's hand inthe vicinity of at least one select object and space is furtherconfigured to wirelessly communicate an alert signal to a specificremote monitoring device according to a web accessible contact registerin response to determination of such electrical change; b. a capacitancecharge controller; c. a detection electrode; d. a wireless means ofcommunications; e. a remote monitoring device capable of receiving acontrol signal directly or indirectly from the capacitance chargecontroller; f. at least one annunciator; g. a signaling deviceoperatively associated with at least one additional control inputselected from the group consisting of a PIR detector, LIDAR, RADAR,ultrasound, analog image processing, digital image processing, an imageframe change detection, an object detection, image recognition software,AI software, facial recognition, a mechanical switch, and an electronicswitch; h. at least one processor; and i. at least one non-transitorycomputer readable medium, wherein the selected object may be selectedfrom the group consisting of a retail item, cash, art, a weapon,jewelry, a computer, valuables, data, documents, alcohol and drugs. 3-4.(canceled)
 5. The system of claim 1, wherein the special purposecomputer is further configured to control operation of the monitoringcamera system, including the monitoring camera system's imaging andrecording function; and at least one additional control input selectedfrom the group consisting of a PIR detector, LIDAR, RADAR, ultrasound,analog image processing, digital image processing, an image frame changedetection, an object detection, image recognition software, AI software,facial recognition, a mechanical switch, and an electronic switch. 6-25.(canceled)
 26. The security system of claim 5, wherein the specialpurpose computer configured to detect a change of an electricalcapacitance or charge at a detection electrode operatively associatedwith a select monitored object or space is further configured to controloperation of the monitoring camera system, including the monitoringcamera system's imaging and recording function, and at least oneadditional control input selected from the group consisting of a PIRdetector, LIDAR, RADAR, ultrasound, an analog and digital imageprocessing, an image frame change detection, an object detection andimage recognition software, AI software, facial recognition and amechanical/electronic switch.
 27. The security system of claim 2,wherein the special purpose computer configured to detect a change ofcharge of an electrical capacitance at a detection electrode operativelyassociated with the presence of a person's hand in the vicinity of atleast one select object and space is further configured to wirelesslycommunicate an alert signal to a specific remote monitoring deviceaccording to a web accessible contact register in response todetermination of such electrical change, wherein control of thesignaling device is operatively associated with at least one additionalcontrol input selected from the group consisting of a PIR detector,LIDAR, RADAR, ultrasound, analog and digital image processing, an imageframe change detection, an object detection and image recognitionsoftware, AI software, facial recognition and a mechanical/electronicswitch.
 28. The security system of claim 1, wherein the monitoringcamera system is further configured to detect a change of charge orelectrical capacitance at an operatively associated electrode, and atleast one additional means of detecting motion or a person's presence.29. The system of claim 2, wherein the special purpose computerconfigured to detect a change of charge of an electrical capacitance ata detection electrode is further configured to include at least oneadditional means of detecting motion or a person's presence.